Winner and Loser
It was two o'clock in the morning. This time Bond must not lose.
Two cards were pushed took towards him. Le Chiffre watched him from the other side of the table. Bond looked the cards and looked at them.
He had two picture cards. They were worth nothing.
"A card,' said Bond
Le Chiffre turned over his own two cards. A picture card and a three.
"Three," said the croupier.
Le Chiffre took a card and slowly turned it over. It was a nine.
A lovely nine!The croupier six Now it was Le Chiffre's turn to decide. He needed a not make a total of nine. It was a difficult decision. He did know what Bond's first two cards had been. looked at his Le Chiffre looked at Bond's cards. Then he own cards. His face was hot. over. It Finally, Le Chiffre took his card and turned it was a wonderful card-a five. The bank has eight," said the croupier Chiffre was sure Bond sat silently. Le Chiffre smiled. Le nine. Every that Bond's cards would add up to more than person watching thought that Bond had lost. cards. They The croupier turned over Bond's first two were picture cards and worth nothing "Nine," said the croupier. Bond The people around the table shouted with surprise. was watching Le Chiffre. The big man fell back in his chair. His mouth opened and shut, and his face was grey.